News 12/05/2011
I just added a Facebook account to begin building another aspect of GDI, Come on brothers...it's all about "networking" today. Join up and Login it's almost 2012.
Posted 12/03/2011
Obituary for Jay A. Biancucci
Mr. Jay Anthony "Cooch" Biancucci, 62, of Barnerville Road, Cobleskill, New York died unexpectedly Sunday, November 27, 2011. In accordance with his wishes, Jay made an anatomical gift to contribute to the lives of others in need.
Born on June 1, 1949 in Gloversville, NY, he was the son of Alfonso Biancucci and Alice Moyer Biancucci. He was a graduate of Gloversville High School, class of 1968. He attended Cobleskill Community College and Kansas State University. Mr. Biancucci has been a Cobleskill resident since returning from college. Jay was a salesman for the former Finkle Distribution, now known as Core-Mark in Johnstown since February 26, 1973. He was of Baptist faith.
Jay was a member of Cobleskill Fraternal Order of Eagles #2695, a proud member of the Gamma Delta Iota Fraternity and a member of the Alumni Association of SUNY Cobleskill. He was a people person who got along with everyone. When he was younger he was an active Boy Scout. Mr. Biancucci loved dancing, was an avid gardener, enjoyed NASCAR and traveling to Las Vegas.
He was predeceased by his father, Alfonso Biancucci in 1992; brothers, Joseph Biancucci in 1992 and Christopher Biancucci in 2010.
Jay is survived by his mother, Alice Biancucci of Gloversville, NY; sisters, Celestina Biancucci of Gloversville, NY, Victoria and Rick Erwin of Gloversville, NY; brother, William D. and Sharon Biancucci of Gloversville and Scotia, NY; sister-in-law, Tammy Biancucci of Carlisle, NY; a large and loving family including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews.
News 11/28/11
It is with much regret that I am adding this note, Jay "Big Cooch" Biancucci passed away suddenly yesterday of an apparent heart attack, I will post more information as I receive it . With deepest regrets, Kevin '72
News 11/17/11
Please Use the Guest Book Button:
RSVP any intentions of attending any Coby Alumni Weekends and/or the Lake George BBQ, so that fellow Brothers can keep up to date. I will check regularly and post updates prior to those weekends. Thanks to all for keeping in touch!!!
News 10/24/11
Just a quick update, once again I am very behind the times. A small turnout at the Annual Lake George BBQ this year but it is always good to see an old brother, this year we were graced with the presence of Steve aka "Ragman or Slicker " Odak. Tammy, Joel and Lindsey were also welcomed back as was Jim Reardon and my son Chris who was on leave from the USAF and is currently serving in Saudi Arabia. Jay Biancucci always comes through to maintain his perfect attendance record. Once again we ate,drank, rehashed some old stories, looked at some picture albums that Tammy had from Chris, played some horseshoes and laughed together one more time. Thanks to all who attended and looking forward to next year with them and anyone else that visits.
Posted 10/05/10
Chris, “Cooch”, Biancucci, 59, of Evergreen Road, died Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown following a long illness.
Born March 4, 1951 in Gloversville, NY, Chris was a graduate of Gloversville High School. For ten years he was employed at KC Canary and then was maintenance supervisor for twenty-one years at Interknitting in Cobleskill.
Chris’ most enjoyable time was that spent with his family, camping, amusement parks, and riding his motorcycle.
He was predeceased by his father, Alfonso Biancucci, and his brother, Joseph.
Survivors include his wife, Tammy (Grasso) Biancucci, whom he married June 30, 1984; his daughter, Kari-Ann (Kevin) Sanford of Cobleskill; his mother, Alice (Moyer) Biancucci of Gloversville; three grandchildren: Kiersten, Joel, and Lindsey, all of Cobleskill; his four siblings: Jay Biancucci of Cobleskill, Celestine Biancucci, William (Sharon) Biancucci, and Victoria (Rick) Erwin, all of Gloversville; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
News 07/13/10
Hello GDI brother(s). I had been wondering how I somehow lost touch but now I see. I have been retired from IBM since 2002 so the email address you have for me hasn't worked in 8 years. I retired from IBM to become the Exec Director of Technology at Newburgh Schools. Retired from there as well.
I used to make it to Alumni weekend pretty much every year with my roommate Doug Redden and meeting up with Peter Schline most years. Haven't made it back since they changed to having Alumni weekend in the fall. More scheduling conflicts for me in the fall than in the spring. And it seems that forever I had conflicts with 2nd weekend in Aug and so only made a couple of Lake George get togethers over the years. Not sure if anyone is going to LG this year but I can't make it this year either. I will try however to at least drive to Coby for a day this Alumni Weekend. I would love to hear if any GDI brothers are looking to also attend.
Don Schiro dlschiro@aol.com or 845-255-0333
BTW I looked at the GDI mug shots and noticed that I was absent from the 1969 photo. I then realized that I probably was no longer at Coby when the photo was taken as I really never attended class there in 1969. I left in Dec 1968 for SUNY Potsdam. I am considered class of 1969 as I received my degree in the Spring of '69.
News 01/12/10
Happy New Year Brothers, Hoping everyone has a healthy and prosperous 2010. No new pix were sent in from the past year but heard from a bro or two. Bob Sparks e-mailed me and says:
I had a minute to kill and was looking at the GDI page. Thanks for keeping it up and all the work involved. It’s great to see the brothers. Marc Bouget lives in Atlanta and we get together a couple of times a year. I live in Columbia SC, about 200 miles away. Schools in the south start in early Aug, so I can’t make Lake George until I retire (2014). Until then I’ll enjoy the pictures and look forward to the day we can share a beer.
Robert Sparks M.Ed., NBCT
Business Instructor
Lexington Technology Center. Jim Reardon is looking at new work ambitions in the Southwest after closing down the Flower Shop. He had a good run and is currently the Mayor of Rhinebeck, NY...Literally, not just cause he knows every old coot in the town. LOL. Listen up boys? Send me some stuff, I know I am not hte fastest updater but I get to it eventually.
News 08/26/09
Well I missed my first Lk. George weekend and can't tell you how long it's really been. If somebody and I know somebody showed up, would you send me some pictures and/ or updated info on the attendees. Give me some Intel on who showed and how the weekend turned out. I was in Ireland for my 1st visit and it was very Green, LOL. I had no choice, Sorry Bros. Mike Higgins sent me his class mugshot and I will attempt to post it along with the others, hope you enjoy them and send me some new info....PLEASE>
News 02/28/08
Glad to see the site updated!!! Looking great! Drop me a note with your phone number... I'll give you a quick call back this afternoon... Would love to see a note go out to all the guys that asks, where are you & just what are you doing... Then, post these up on the site... I may have a brother the next county over.. Very unlikely, but it may happen to some of the guys...
Talked with someone & they said, "I think Niel Dahl is in OK"... Would love to know where Neil & Terry Bloom are... Great guys!!! I've only got a couple of more weeks until biz gets going... I can talk to you guys now, but a month from now, time will be dicey... Still have to make a $$$ Want to call me, number is 636.274.4886
Catch you later, Mike Higgins
News 02/22/08
Thanks for the update on Klaus. It's good to know he is well. Last summer I attended the 40th Anniversary/Reunion of my High School and was sad to see the number of classmates who have passed on. I hope you are all well and in good spirits, I'm in the middle of moving to Austin, TX. Aloecorp has operation in Texas and Mexico and it it best for me to be closer to those facilities. Not the best time to be selling a house but... Are there any "Old Brothers" in Texas?
Take care guys, if you get to Austin let me know; 6th street in downtown Austin has some great bars and the first round is on me. Jeff "Glick" Glickman jeff@aloecorp.com
News 02/19/08
Morning Kevin,
Heard from Klaus Beinkampen,1969, my old roomie, a couple of weeks ago... First time in almost 40 yrs! He's still in NY, but cruising too much lately to get lots of details... His e-mail is
News 11/23/07
Well after a very long sabbatical, not intentional mind you all but here it is again. I have updated the pics buy lost 2005 somewhere along the way pretty much like my years at Coby...somehow somethings got misconstrued. 2006 and 2007, are ready for publishing and I can start to get back on track. It's a long story about a Harley mishap that I clearly don't want to keep whining about, so I won;t and we'll move on from that point in time until now...
News 12/11/04
Attached e-mails from Mike Higgins & Jeff Glickman (Barre)Hey Mike,
It's been great, a lot to tell the Grandkids about. Sometimes I tell my wife let's be bored for a little while. I may do some things different but would not change anything. I saw Mike Heaney's name on the GDI site and sent him an e-mail asking if it was the same Mike Heaney that ripped open his arm one night pledging on the Quad. He wrote back with a slightly blown mind. He sounds like life has been good to him also. I remember Rick Allen, I think he was GDI president in 69.
I stayed in touch with Don LaChere all these years, he is still married to Jessica and has 2 daughters. I think the youngest is 32. He manages a mall in Omaha and loves his life too. I don't know much about anyone else from GDI. I've been in touch with my first roommate, John Scarano. He had a twin brother named Phil, they were a year ahead of us. He still lives in Little Falls, NY. I did see Bob Youngs a few years ago when I was passing by Cobleskill. He owns the Bulls Head Inn.
I had a tremendous falling out with my family and dropped my last name and started using my middle name as my last. I have since changed it in court so it's legal. That was many, many years ago.
Take care, Mike. Have a great Christmas and let's drop each other a line from time to time. I'll let you know if I hear from any GDI Brothers and you do the same. I wish you continued good luck and success. I hope to attend the reunion in Lake George this summer. I haven't been to Lake George in 40 years but I remember it was a beautiful place.
Happy Holidays
Jeff
Dear Mike,
My life has been somewhat of a roller coaster and never boring. From Coby I went to the University of Hartford and switched from Business to Chemistry, got a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Marketing. Hartford gave me a wrestling scholarship but made me play football. Playing football at Hartford was like being a gladiator in Rome. Every week were thrown to the Lions. It did give me one great opportunity and experience. In 1971 I was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. It was thrill and a big ego trip when the notice came but I had no interest in going. Right before graduation my fiancée was killed in a car accident so right after graduation I decided to go the the Vikings camp. I ran like every sprint was my last and hit like it was my last and somehow made the team. I played on Special Teams only until a neck injury ended the season and sent me packing. Came back to NY and went to work at Mt Sinai Hospital in NYC, attended class at NYU, left Mt Sinai and went to work in the R&D Lab of Fabrege. Got a MS in Biochemistry and and stayed in cosmetics for many years.
In 74 I took a trip to Ft Lauderdale, fell in love with the beach and moved to Florida. In Florida I lived with a couple of women (different times) and was introduced to Aloe vera. Aloe vera has been in my life since then. I formed a cosmetic manufacturing company in Florida and we moved it to California where I met Mary Ann, my wife. We moved in together in 1980 and I have been hopelessly, helplessly in love with her ever since. Sold the cosmetics company in '88 when my partner died since I did not want to be partnered with his wife. I have been with Aloecorp since. Some of us have small equity positions but the company is really owned by Korean Holding company with the most incredible man I have ever met in charge. To give you and idea, after 911 he wrote a check for 1 million dollars to the 911 fund and refused for that to be made public.
Aloecorp is now the largest raw material supplier in the World. We moved the corporate office to Lacey, Washington and opened satellite offices in New Hampshire, Atlanta and Denver. We have 9 million plants at our farm in Mexico and another facility in South Texas. We have also pumped over 15 million dollars into Research and Development over the years. I love living in NH and travel to Washington, Texas, Mexico, Europe and the NYC area quite often.
Life has been good and interesting for me. The internet gives us an opportunity to connect with people of the past and find out what is going in their lives. Take care, I hope to see you in Lake George, let's touch base once in a while and pass on our e-mails addresses to other Coby people
Merry Christmas
Jeff Hope you enjoy this... Know he's already called or mailed Heany...
Cheers & belly laughs,
Jeff, You have had a great life!!! Many more highs & lows than I have (One of the few guys I'll admit that to)... Glad the last 25 yrs. have been HIGHS!!
A couple of the guys I've stayed in touch with are Rick Allen (old room mate) & Mike Heaney... Rick's lived in the city (Richmond Hill, The City) almost since graduation (does interior design woodwork), except for time in Daytona (driving dump trucks), while I was in Orlando & a bit of time pushing barges on the Miss.. after grad. from Murray State... Then there's Mike Heaney, he's been with John Hancock forever, he lives in Brockport, just outside Rochester.
I haven't made any of the reunions or Lake George since all of these are my busy time of year... Hope you went by the GDI site, I only know a few of the of the guys in there.
Did see Don Foote (since passed away) & Heaney in Lk. George about 7 yrs. ago when I took Liz up to see where I grew up & meet a couple of GREAT friends. Nice time!!!
OK... When did you change the name to Barre??? Why???
News 08/30/03
Hey Everyone...I finally got to updating the site. New pictures from Lk. George are here. The weekend was a huge success this year. New faces along with alot of catching up by brothers and their families help to make the Saturday BBQ a very enjoyable day for all. Thanks for all of those who attended and we appreciate your support.
News 07/17/03
Prayers go out to the Foote Family with the passing of Don in July of a massive heart attack. We'll miss him at our future gatherings. Don was a regular visitor at Lk. George for quite a few years. God Bless.
News 11/04/02
Pictures are in from the summer, it may take awhile for all of you with dial-up service but hang in there. Enjoy the new pages and pics.
News 10/28/02
Finally got some pictures from Jay B. I am currently building another page. So try and view what we have and the site will be updated shortly. Enjoy the upcoming holidays and stay in touch with each other.
News 9/2/02
Just trying to get to the updates, Waiting for pics from Jay. so
it will be a little longer for August 2002's group picture. We had a quiet day at the park. It was really good to see a couple of new faces
in the crowd. Al Lansing, John Sterzinar, and Brian Thomas paid the park a visit and we had some interesting catchup conversations. Ian, Jay, JR, and Kevin along with their family members continued the
tradition. L'il Cooch and Tammy were unable to attend so we all paid a visit to their house on Sunday and we had a great afternoon of talk, beer, and good food. Kevin O'Shell was also at Chris and Tammy's house. We need to see him more often. We need to see everyone more often now that I've mentioned it. Hang in there and the pics will be up on the site shortly.
News 4/29/02
I just returned from Coby Rock's Alumni Weekend. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the older brothers ( Rick Allen 69', Ron Irwin 68', and Don Schiro 68' ), and also one of the founding brothers; Peter Schline 67'. We shared some cold ones and some reminiscing at the Ski Lodge before they headed to the Bull's Head for more cocktails. Jay Biancucci, myself, my family and a few classmates from 1972 enjoyed a great dinner at Boreali's before parting our ways and discussing future alumni weekends together. Chris Biancucci is still awaiting his bone marrow transplant so we should all wish him well. Send an e-mail to say hello at memapepa@localnet.com.
GDI now has incorporated a website redirection, that allows us to have a smaller and more comprehensive site address. The site is now named http://GDIalumni.homestead.com. The old site works but this one is much easier. Also New updates are almost completed on the site including, frames @ left, driving directions to Lake George, NY and thumbnail pictures. Please visit the site regularly. Hope to see you all in Lake George this August.
